Laplace field microscopy for label-free imaging of dynamic biological structures

We present Laplace field microscopy as a method for generating intrinsic contrast of transparent specimens. This technique uses a spatial light modulator to perform the Laplacian of the field in the Fourier plane of a microscope image. The resulting image incorporates phase information and thus renders high contrast images from phase objects. We demonstrate the potential of the method by imaging index-matched beads, unlabeled tissue slices, and dynamic live cells.